Cedric the Peacock

Before the Hogwarts Express departed, Kanna and Fleur left the school in a Thestral-drawn carriage.

The Thestrals flew higher and higher. Kanna leaned out of the carriage and waved to Kyle. As they passed a tower, she spotted Snape standing there.

But in the blink of an eye, he was gone again, as if he had never appeared at all.

"What is it?" Fleur asked when she noticed Kanna staring at the castle.

"Nothing." Kanna shook her head, wondering if she had imagined it.

The Thestrals were fast. In less than a minute, the carriage had become a blurry black speck and vanished from sight.

On the grounds, Kyle lowered his hand and turned to ask, "How are you getting back? Taking the train? If you leave now, you should still make it."

"Reliving the school experience might be nice, but I'd rather Apparate." Bill shrugged. "The train is just too slow. Ever since graduating, I've found it really hard to tolerate wasting half a day just traveling."

"I'll wait for you at Grimmauld Place." He gave Kyle a cheerful pat on the shoulder. "To celebrate your graduation, Mum has prepared a huge dinner. I can barely wait."

With that, he strode toward the school gates.

Kyle, meanwhile, hesitated.

Honestly, he wanted to Apparate straight back too. It was convenient and simple. But when he thought about how he would not have to come back to school next year, Kyle felt there was no need to rush...

Forget it. He would treat it as a chance to relax.

After wavering for a moment, Kyle still headed to Hogsmeade Station and boarded the train just in time at eight fifty-nine.

A minute later, all the carriage doors closed. With a loud whistle, the train slowly pulled out of the station.

Since